UKC

It's looking like this year I'll be able to spend a week or so in the French alps to learn/do some alpine climbing.

Hopefully in June - before French school holidays start. I don't mind if the trip is in Chamonix or the southern alps (Les Ecrins).

I've been looking at group classes but am considering also a single guide/instructor for me. Does anyone have experience of such an endeavour or recommendations to offer ? I'd prefer a female guide/instructor, but not at all a deal breaker.

'Aspirant guides' is another way to go, I understand; any thoughts on this ?

Have you considered UCPA (www.ucpa.com )? I've only been on one of their skiing courses but seemed well organised & was very good value for money. Most of their courses are in French but they do some for non-French speakers, see  https://www.action-outdoors.co.uk/activities/mountain-sports/mountaineering...

ISM or Alpine Guides are both great.

Kathy Cosley is excellent and based in Chamonix

https://www.bmg.org.uk/find-a-guide/?act%5B%5D=80

There are 7 female British alpine guides listed here. Not all may be currently active in the Alps in summer.

Loads of good male ones also.

Thanks all for your inputs; I'm taking a look at each suggestion.

Wishing everyone a good weekend,

j 🙂 

Too old for it now, but I've been on quite a lot of UCPA courses over the years and language has never been a problem. I never had an instructor who didn't speak good English, and there were usually multiple nationalities in the group anyway (quite a lot of Scandinavians go skiing with them) so things tend to default to English.